2013 budget highlights

Pay up

More firefighters as another new fire station opens, more bus drivers, the opening of the Gore Meadows Community Centre and Library, but no debt— those are some of the highlights of the City of Brampton’s 2013 budget.

More firefighters as another new fire station opens, more bus drivers, the opening of the Gore Meadows Community Centre and Library, but no debt— those are some of the highlights of the City of Brampton’s 2013 budget.
The 4.9 per cent increase on the city’s portion of the property tax bill includes a 1 per cent levy for infrastructure repair and replacement.
The increase translates into approximately $23 per year for every $100,000 of residential assessment, or $79 on the average residential property tax bill estimated in 2013 to be $347,000.
Coupled with the Region of Peel’s approved tax increase and assuming no change in the education tax, the total property tax bill for a Brampton resident will increase by 2.5 per cent in 2013, the same increase seen in 2012. City officials say that’s in line with Brampton’s Municipal Price Index of 2.6 per cent. The city’s budget accounts for only 42 per cent of the overall property tax bill.
But all of that doesn’t include a strategy to pay the $60 million the city has promised for redevelopment of the Peel Memorial Hospital site. A decision on how to fund that commitment will be made following public consultations early next year. The bill for that project may or may not end up being included with the 2013 property tax bill, depending on what council decides to do after public consultation.
The city’s 2013 operating budget comes in at approximately $491 million in gross expenditures, up $35.8 million over 2012. Assessment growth offsets that increase with a $9.5 million infusion (3.2 per cent), according to city staff, leaving 3.9 per cent to be funded by taxpayers.
The capital budget for 2013 was approved at $246 million.
There will be major roadwork done, and a transit fare increase, along with user fee increases and a 10 per cent rise in the cost of municipal parking downtown.
A minimum amount of new staff will be added, leaving departments to absorb growing demands from a growing population. Transit staff will be increased by 27 new employees to deliver the continued expansion of Züm, and 27 new staff for fire station 211 on The Gore Road in the city’s growing east end are also included in the operating budget.
“Residents have lots to be proud of in Brampton,” Fennell said. “Brampton will continue its unrivalled debt-free status, which will help ensure we also maintain our Triple ‘A’ credit rating by Standard & Poor’s.”
Budget Committee Chair Gael Miles had a rough ride this time around, but in the end, councillors had praise for her work keeping them focused on the process.
“We have worked very hard to present a budget that takes a ‘steady as we go’ approach, limiting the property tax impact to no higher than the rate of inflation,” Miles said in a release. “Where enhancements occurred they are for required transit staff, provision of additional recreational opportunities, ensuring public safety and a continued commitment to address the infrastructure deficit.”
The city provides a wide range of services, including:
• maintaining 3,250 lane kilometres of roads;
• 2,750 hectares of parkland, including sports fields, playgrounds, paths, flowerbeds, boulevards;
• 266 conventional and 61 Züm transit buses;
• 74 corporate buildings including offices, parks, transit, works and libraries;
• 66 recreation centres and community facilities including arenas, pools, theatres, and 14 fire stations.